Bochy emphasized that Sanchez's health is the Giants' primary concern.

"It's hard to rush a kid back and see this happening again," Bochy added.

Sanchez endured his latest mishap last Saturday, when a foul tip struck his catcher's mask while he was performing for Fresno in an injury rehabilitation game.

Bochy noted that Sanchez, who tends to endure more than his share of physical abuse, had switched from using a hockey goalie-style protective mask to a more traditional catcher's mask. The change, it was believed, would reduce Sanchez's chances of sustaining concussions.

Chris Haft is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Haft-Baked Ideas, and follow him on Twitter at @sfgiantsbeat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.